London clubs

If it is possible to be both a midwife and a father figure, Alexis Korner played both roles for British rhythm and blues in 1962. He opened the Ealing Blues Club in a basement on Ealing Broadway and encouraged, inspired, and employed a number of musicians in his band, Blues Incorporated, some of whom went on to form the Rolling Stones, Manfred Mann, and the Cyril Davies All-Stars. The Stones launched their career with a residency lasting several months during 1963 at the Crawdaddy Club, operated by promoter Georgio Gomelsky at the Station Hotel in respectable Richmond upon Thames, London. ... (100 of 338 words)